Non-citizens can open bank accounts, but the rules depend on your immigration status and the bank you choose

Yes, you can open a bank account as a non-citizen. Most U.S. banks will let you do this, though the documents they ask for and the process itself vary by bank and by your immigration status. You do not need to be a citizen or a permanent resident to have a checking or savings account.

The main barrier is not citizenship—it is proof of identity and proof of address. Banks are required by federal law to verify who you are before opening an account. This is called Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, and it applies to everyone, citizen or not. What changes is which documents the bank will accept as proof.

Some banks are more willing to work with non-citizens than others. Large national banks like Chase, Bank of America, and Wells Fargo have standardized processes that often work for non-citizens with valid identification. Smaller regional banks and credit unions sometimes have more flexibility, but you have to ask directly—their policies are not always posted online.

Key Takeaways

  • You will need a form of government-issued photo identification; a passport works, and so does a foreign national ID card if your bank accepts it.
  • Proof of address is required by federal law, and a utility bill, lease, or mail from a government agency in your name will usually satisfy this.
  • An Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) can replace a Social Security Number for account opening, though not all banks accept it.
  • Credit unions and smaller regional banks sometimes have more flexible policies than large national chains, but you need to contact them directly to confirm.
  • Some banks will not open accounts for people on certain visa types or without a U.S. address, so calling ahead saves you a wasted trip.

What documents you will need to bring

Banks need two things: proof of identity and proof of address. For identity, a valid passport works at nearly every bank. Some banks also accept a national ID card from your home country, a driver's license from your home country, or a state ID card if you have one. Ask the bank before you go in—they will tell you which documents they take.

For proof of address, bring a recent utility bill, a lease agreement, a mortgage statement, or a piece of mail from a government agency (like a tax notice or court document) that shows your name and current address. The document usually needs to be from the last 60 days, though this varies by bank. A bank statement from another bank counts too, if you already have an account elsewhere.

If you do not have a Social Security Number, you can use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) instead. You get an ITIN from the IRS by filing a tax return, even if you are not required to file. Not every bank accepts an ITIN in place of an SSN, so call ahead and ask. Some banks will open an account with neither—they use your passport number or foreign ID number instead—but this is less common.

Banks that are known to work with non-citizens

Chase, Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and Citibank have processes in place for non-citizens and generally accept a passport as identification. These banks have many branches, so you have options for where to go. However, their policies can vary by branch and by the specific person helping you, so calling the branch ahead of time is worth the five minutes.

Credit unions often have more flexible policies than national banks. If you live near a credit union, call and ask whether they open accounts for non-citizens and what documents they need. Some credit unions require membership based on where you live or work, so you may need to join before opening an account—membership is usually free or costs a few dollars.

Online banks like Chime, Ally, and Charles Schwab sometimes work for non-citizens, but their policies change and they do not always make this clear on their websites. If you want to try an online bank, contact their customer service by phone or chat and ask directly whether they can open an account for someone with your immigration status and documents. Do not assume the answer is no just because the website does not mention it.

How immigration status affects the process

If you have a visa (student, work, temporary, or any other kind), most banks will open an account for you. You will need your passport and proof of address. Some banks ask for a copy of your visa page or your I-94 arrival/departure record, which you can print from the USCIS website if you have an account there. A few banks ask for a letter from your employer or school confirming your status, but this is uncommon.

If you are undocumented, the process is harder but not impossible. Some banks will open accounts for undocumented immigrants, but fewer do. You will need a passport or national ID card and proof of address. You cannot use an ITIN if you do not have one, because getting an ITIN requires filing a tax return, and undocumented immigrants often avoid this. Some banks will open an account using only your passport number instead of an SSN or ITIN. Call ahead—do not walk in and be turned away.

If you are a permanent resident (green card holder), the process is the same as for citizens. Bring your green card and proof of address, and any bank will open an account for you.

What happens if a bank says no

If one bank turns you down, try another. Banks have different risk policies, and one bank's "no" does not mean all banks will say no. Credit unions are often more willing to take a chance on non-citizens than national banks are. If you have a friend or family member who banks somewhere, ask them whether their bank is willing to work with non-citizens—word of mouth is often more reliable than calling a main number.

If you are turned down multiple times, it may be because of your immigration status or because you do not have the documents the bank needs. In that case, focus on getting the documents first. If you do not have proof of address, ask a friend or family member whether you can use their address temporarily, or look into whether a local community organization can help you get mail in your name. Some nonprofits that work with immigrants have relationships with banks and can help you navigate this.

Keep in mind that some banks will not open accounts for people without a U.S. address at all. If you are living abroad and trying to open an account remotely, your options are much more limited. Most banks require you to come in person or to have a U.S. address on file.

What to expect after you open the account

Once your account is open, you will get a debit card, a checkbook (if you opened a checking account), and online access. The bank will give you a username and password to log in to their website or app. You can deposit money by direct deposit, by transferring it from another account, or by going to a branch and handing cash or a check to a teller.

Some banks put a hold on your account for the first 30 days while they verify your information. This means you can deposit money, but you may not be able to withdraw it right away. This is normal and happens to non-citizens and citizens alike. Ask the bank what their hold policy is when you open the account.

If you ever need to send money to another country, your bank can help with that through a wire transfer, though there is usually a fee (typically $15 to $50). Some banks also partner with services like Western Union or MoneyGram, which you can use to send money without a wire transfer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Social Security Number to open a bank account?

No. You can use an ITIN, a passport number, or sometimes just your foreign ID number. Not all banks accept all of these, so call ahead and ask what they will take. If you do not have an SSN or ITIN, mention this when you call—some banks have a process for this, and others do not.

Can I open an account if I do not have a U.S. address?

Most banks require a U.S. address. If you are staying with someone temporarily, you can usually use their address as long as you have a piece of mail or a utility bill showing that address. If you have no U.S. address at all, your options are very limited, and you may need to wait until you have a permanent place to list.

What if my passport is expired?

An expired passport usually works for bank account opening, because the bank is verifying your identity, not your travel status. However, some banks prefer a current passport. Call ahead and ask. If your passport is expired, bring another form of ID as a backup.

Will opening a bank account affect my immigration status?

No. Opening a bank account is a financial transaction, not an immigration matter. It will not trigger any immigration review or change your status. Banks report account information to the IRS for tax purposes, but this is routine and applies to everyone.

Can I open a joint account with someone else?

Yes, as long as the other person also has the documents the bank needs. If you want to open a joint account with a family member or partner, both of you should come in together with your IDs and proof of address. The bank will verify both of you before opening the account.